Most practices expect to continue using remote consultations and triage after the end of the pandemic – but continue to struggle to meet demand, according to two new surveys.

77% of GPs plan to use remote working practices “frequently” post pandemic, according to a survey by the Medical Defence Union. Among the respondents, 90% felt that working practices have significantly changed since the beginning of the pandemic, with 97% doing more phone consultations, 75% doing more video consultations, and 55% carrying out more online triage systems.

Fears over complaints or claims related to the pandemic are high, at 63%, but 66% have not seen a rise in this problem. The necessary changes to working practices were considered to have minimised the spread of infection by 88% of respondents, with 70% noting increased convenience for patients and 48% finding fewer missed appointments.
On the other hand, 73% had concerns for isolated or lonely patients, 71% worried about delays in referrals and increased waiting times for secondary care, and 70% had been affected by technical difficulties. The MDU received completed surveys from 172 of its GP members in November.

“The pandemic has magnified existing challenges and presented many new ones,” said Dr Caroline Fryar of the union. “It is becoming clear that working practices within the NHS have irrevocably changed as a result of the pandemic. In some instances, this has resulted in positive changes such as remote consultations improving flexibility and convenience for patients and consequently, fewer missed appointments. However, the pandemic has also led to delays in referrals and increased waiting times.”

Two further reports raised concerns about GP access. A study in the British Journal of General Practice, undertaken by the Health Foundation, finds differences in GP time allocated to patients between wealthy and poor areas. Researchers found that on average patients in the wealthiest areas got 11.2 minutes of time while those in the poorest received 10.7 minutes of consultation time.

Cancer Research UK today said its own survey showed many GPs struggling to meet demand for consultations. Its survey of 1,400 GPs found 38% said their practice found it hard to meet demand for remote consultations while 35% said face to face appointments were a problem. GPs also reported significant increases in waiting times for key diagnostic tests. 75% of doctors reported difficulty getting access to ultrasound scans and more than 60% reported problems with endoscopies.

The charity’s GP adviser Dr Neil Smith said: “GPs across the UK are doing everything we can to ensure people get the care they need so if you’ve noticed an unusual or persistent symptom, tell your doctor, we do want to hear from you. I’m particularly concerned we’re seeing fewer elderly people and those who have symptoms that could be linked to lung cancer – like a cough that has lasted for three weeks or more.”

Dr Jodie Moffat, from the charity, said: “GPs and NHS staff have worked incredibly hard during this challenging year to manage the increased strain COVID-19 has put on an already stretched system. But many patients are still a long way off receiving the swift cancer diagnoses that will give them the best chance of being treated successfully, and worryingly we don’t yet know what the long-term impact on cancer stage and survival will be.”